Dr. Teresa Metzger Howe, Music Director and Youth Symphony Conductor for the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), is pleased to announce the theme for their upcoming 2013-14 season is Folk Music from Around the World. “As our world becomes even ‘smaller’ due to the ease with which we can now communicate and travel, it is important to celebrate the uniqueness of different cultures. Playing music from a variety of countries and cultures will help our young musicians appreciate the rich heritages of these places,” says Dr. Metzger Howe. Concerts will feature works by Huang, Rimsky-Korsakov, Dvorak, Moncayo and more.
BYSO also has two important changes to their music staff. David Drassal, who directed the Cadet String Orchestra, will now lead Premiere Orchestra. Mr. Drassal received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Central Washington University, where he is currently working on his Master’s degree. He has performed with various orchestras and is an active member of a string quartet. As a trumpet player, he is a good fit for Premiere, where BYSO wind musicians get their first orchestral experience. Mr. Drassal currently teaches in the Bellevue School District at Tyee Middle School and Sammamish High School. “I have absolutely loved directing the Cadet orchestra the last few years,” he says, “and I look forward to directing the full orchestra with winds, brass, and percussion.” Dr. Metzger Howe adds, “I am supremely confident in David’s ability to lead the Premiere Orchestra. His experience as an orchestra conductor in the Bellevue School District includes positions conducting elementary, middle and high school orchestras.”
Christine Gero will be taking Mr. Drassal’s place as the conductor of the Cadet String Orchestra. Ms. Gero comes to BYSO from New York, where she served as Music Department Chairperson and Orchestra Director for the Nyack Public Schools. She conducted the Nyack High School String Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and the highly recognized Chamber Orchestra in all three elementary schools as well as creating and directing the Nyack Summer Music Camp. Ms. Gero has performed and conducted in various settings, from Carnegie Hall to the famous rock club CBGB’s in New York. She received her B.A. in Music and her M. A. in Music Education from New York University. “Christine comes to us with a wide background of experience conducting beginners through high school orchestras,” Dr. Metzger Howe says. “She is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I look forward to her contributions to BYSO.”
“I love working with this age group, knowing that for young musicians, their first orchestral experience lays the groundwork for years of musical successes,” says Christine. “BYSO offers incredible opportunities for musicians and the Cadet Orchestra is where it all begins! It will be an exciting, fun and inspiring season for all of us. I am thrilled to join the BYSO music community.”
BYSO is grateful to be able to attract and retain top conducting talent thanks to its long, stable history and accomplished reputation. Please join them on their musical journey this year at any of their 11 formal concerts in Bellevue. Visit www.byso.org for performance dates and ticket information.